EPISODE 7 WITH LEO NOVSKY: FROM REFUGEE TO TRANSFORMATIVE LEADER—WHAT MAKES HIM TICK?

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In a special two-part series, Episodes 6 and 7 of the Defying the Odds Podcast, co-anchors Victor Sauceda and Leo Novsky take advantage of being together in person to turn the tables on each other. In Episode 7, it’s Leo’s turn in the hot seat as Victor takes a deep dive into Leo’s inspiring journey—one marked by perseverance, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to helping others overcome adversity.

Through Victor’s questions, we get to see what really makes Leo tick—from his harrowing escape from the Soviet Union as a political refugee to his work in prison reform, university teaching, and entrepreneurship. Leo opens up about the key moments that shaped him, the lessons that continue to guide him, and why he is so passionate about helping others defy their own odds.

DEFINING THE ODDS: LEO’S PHILOSOPHY ON CHALLENGES AND COMMUNITY

For Leo, defying the odds is about turning obstacles into opportunities. It’s about recognizing that hardships are a given, but they don’t have to define us. Instead, they can serve as stepping stones for growth.

One of the biggest shifts in Leo’s mindset came from realizing that success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about finding the right people.

His go-to question when faced with a challenge is not “What should I do?” or “How should I do it?”—instead, he asks:

"WHO DO I NEED AROUND ME TO OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE?"

This emphasis on community and mentorship is what has driven his success time and time again.

A JOURNEY OF REINVENTION: LEO’S MAIN STORY

Leo’s story begins in the Soviet Union, where he grew up under oppression and systemic discrimination. As a Jewish redhead in Minsk, he faced constant bullying and societal barriers. Defying the odds at that time meant simply surviving—avoiding persecution and fighting for a future beyond the limits imposed on him.

But the most transformative moment in Leo’s life came in 1989, when his family made the difficult decision to flee as political refugees. Stripped of their citizenship, allowed only $50 per person, and forced to leave everything behind, they embarked on a journey into the unknown. For Leo, the moment he crossed into Poland—the moment he passed the barbed wire and felt true freedom for the first time—was a defining moment.

In the months that followed, while waiting for asylum in Italy, his family survived by selling portable goods on the street. This period taught him resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. At just 12 years old, Leo was running through Italian marketplaces, selling everything from portable water heaters to nesting dolls. The experience wasn’t easy, but it was formative—it instilled in him the ability to adapt, take risks, and turn every challenge into a learning opportunity.

Once settled in America, Leo faced new challenges. Learning English, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating the American education system were massive hurdles, but he approached them with a philosophy of immersion over comfort. Each step was a move out of his comfort zone, and each obstacle became an opportunity to grow.

LESSONS THAT TRANSFORM LIVES: FROM UNIVERSITY TO PRISON AND BEYOND

Leo’s experiences shaped him into a transformative leader, one who is deeply passionate about helping others overcome their own barriers. Today, he channels that passion into prison reform and reentry support, teaching entrepreneurship at universities, and coaching individuals in different stages of life.

He sees incarcerated individuals as immigrants from a different America, seeking asylum from a past defined by poor choices and systemic exclusion. Through education, mentorship, and opportunities for reinvention, he believes these individuals can transform their futures.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM EPISODE 7

Throughout this conversation, Leo shares several key lessons that have guided him through his journey and helped countless others defy the odds:

1. Your Network is Your Net Worth – The relationships you invest in will determine your success. Success isn’t about going at it alone—it’s about building a network of people who support, challenge, and uplift you.

2. Obstacles Are Opportunities – Every challenge is a chance to grow. Redefine problems as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

3. Community is Everything – Instead of focusing on “how” or “what,” start with “who.” The right people can make the impossible possible.

4. Vulnerability is Strength – Don’t let pride prevent you from asking for help. True strength lies in reaching out when you need support.

5. Take Action Despite Uncertainty – You don’t need all the answers to move forward. Take risks, adapt as you go, and embrace the journey.

6. Find Your Cause – Identify the mission you’re willing to fight for. For Leo, it’s helping justice-impacted individuals rebuild their lives through education and entrepreneurship.

7. Lean Into Discomfort – Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s learning a new language or starting a business, immersion leads to the greatest growth.

SUMMING IT ALL UP

In Episode 7, Leo Novsky’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of relationships. From escaping Soviet oppression to building a new life in America, and from street markets in Italy to transforming lives in prison classrooms, Leo’s journey is filled with moments of courage and transformation. His message is clear:

The odds are never truly unbeatable.

Leo reminds us that defying the odds is about taking risks, surrounding yourself with the right people, and never being afraid to ask for help. It’s about embracing discomfort and finding purpose in every challenge.

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What are your thoughts on Episode 7? What challenges have you faced that required you to defy the odds? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your experiences!

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Until next time—keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and never stop defying the odds.